VACC Automotive Apprentice of the Year Awards

MELBOURNE – Marc 14,2013: The Australian automotive industry will welcome 70 trained, ready to work and trade skilled employees tonight. The auto-apprentices will receive their Certificate of Graduation at the annual Graduation Ceremony in Melbourne, following the successful completion of their four year VACC autoapprenticeship.

The graduates will receive their certificate from Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, with nine out of ten graduates going straight into full time work with their host employer, a VACC member.

Tonight’s Graduation Ceremony will also include the inaugural VACC Apprentice and Trainee Awards.

For the first time, there will be an Apprentice of the Year Award, as well as separate Awards for the best First Year, Second Year and Third Year apprentices, as well as the best school-based apprentice or trainee and the ‘highest achievement’ apprentice.

“VACC congratulates the 2013 auto-apprenticeship graduates. They have worked extremely hard and can be proud of their achievements. They are now equipped with the necessary skills to enter the workforce, ensuring our communities and the economy continue to prosper,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“In addition, we are delighted to introduce the Apprentice and Trainee of the Year Awards. The new Awards will give credit where credit is due,” said Mr Purchase.

VACC is the largest employer of auto-apprentices in Victoria, providing paid, full-time employment and trade specific training at Certificate Three level. VACC auto apprentices are placed within VACC member workshops, also known as host employers, for the apprenticeship work placement

“Skills and training are the bedrock of any industry and for another 70 young light and heavy mechanical technicians, auto-electricians, spray painters and panel technicians to graduate through our Group Scheme and into the industry is a proud moment. We also thank Minister Hall for his support and ongoing commitment to skills, training and education in the automotive sector,” Mr Purchase said.